Green Tribunal penalises BMC for polluting sea and creeks

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been penalised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for discharging untreated sewage in the sea and creeks around Mumbai.

The NGT has ordered the civic body to pay Rs 28.20 crore to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), as compensation for environmental damage. The amount has to be paid within three months.

The NGT order came on a petition filed by Vanashakti, a non-governmental organisation devoted to environmental issues. The petition sought directions on compliance with sewage treatment norms.

Vanashakti’s thrust areas are forest, mangrove and wetland protection, environmental education for schools both urban and rural, livelihoods for forest-based communities and scientific investigation into local environmental degradation.

Vanashakti is founded by citizens who have a commitment to fulfil the constitutional obligation of protecting the environment; coasts, forests, wildlife, wetlands and rivers. We believe that all sections of the society need to be sensitised to the need to protect and conserve our natural wealth and resources.

According to the order, the amount to be deposited by the BMC may be spent on restoration of the environment by designing a plan to be approved and monitored by the CPCB.

NGT had summoned BMC Commissioner to present himself for the hearing, but the BMC obtained exemption from appearance from the Supreme Court, however, the court allowed NGT to proceed with the hearing in the complaint against the BMC.